A Century of Service
For more than a century, the Phyllis Wheatley Community Center in Minneapolis has served as a steadfast resource, helping members of the African American community navigate life’s challenges.
“Phyllis Wheatley has always been a pillar within the community where people can go for whatever ails them,” said Armondo Dickerson, the center’s managing director of operations and programs. “We’ve always been there for the community.”
The Roots of Phyllis Wheatley
Originally founded as the first settlement house for Minneapolis’ small but growing Black community, Phyllis Wheatley offered services that were unique at the time. It provided housing for Black college students who faced discrimination at the University of Minnesota’s dormitories. The center also became a refuge for Black luminaries, including W. E. B. Du Bois, Marian Anderson, and Langston Hughes, who could not find accommodations in local hotels.
“Where could I go that I knew I could make it home? Phyllis Wheatley was one of those stops,” Dickerson reflected, noting that the center was listed in the Green Book, a guide that Black travelers used during the Jim Crow era to find safe places to stay, eat, and seek services.
A Cultural and Social Hub
In addition to offering shelter, Phyllis Wheatley has long been a cultural and social hub. During the 1950s, the center hosted Prince’s father, John L. Nelson, and his jazz group, the Prince Rogers Trio. Kimberly Caprini, the center’s Quality Parenting Academy Program manager, recalls fond memories of her own childhood at Phyllis Wheatley.
“I remember swimming in the pool and taking trips outside the community,” Caprini said. “For many of us, it was our first time out of the city, immersed in the beauty of nature at Camp Katharine Parsons.”
For over 40 years, generations of youth from North Minneapolis spent their summers at the camp. For many, it was their first time experiencing the peace and awe of the natural world, which continues to have a lasting impact on their lives.
“There’s a push to restore Camp Parsons,” Dickerson explained. “We want to ensure future generations experience the healing power of nature.”
Adapting to Meet Community Needs
Today, the Phyllis Wheatley Community Center remains dedicated to its founding principles, adapting to meet the evolving needs of the community. Through partnerships, the center continues to provide programs that focus on family restoration, health, wellness, and academic achievement. The center’s offerings include the DigitalTech Works Academy, the Mary T. Wellcome Child Development Center, the Wheatley eSports Club, and the Quality Parenting Academy.
“As long as we keep families strong, we keep communities strong,” Dickerson added. “That’s what we’re all about.”
Celebrating 100 Years
Phyllis Wheatley is poised to mark its 100th anniversary in April with a centennial gala on April 11, 2025, at Quincy Hall in Minneapolis. This milestone will not only celebrate the organization’s long history but also raise funds for future initiatives, including the restoration of Camp Katharine Parsons and expanding youth programs that nurture the next generation of leaders.
Phyllis Wheatley’s centennial celebration is a testament to the resilience and enduring spirit of the Black community in Minneapolis. Through education, empowerment, and cultural engagement, the center has impacted countless lives, providing a safe space for growth and opportunity. The gala will honor this legacy while looking forward to the next century of service.
Phyllis Wheatley Community Center Centennial Gala
April 11, 2025
Quincy Hall, 1325 Quincy Street Northeast, Minneapolis, MN 55413
Proceeds from the gala will benefit the center’s programs, including the women’s wealth-building initiative and the restoration of Camp Katharine Parsons. By attending, you’re contributing to the continued empowerment of the Black community in Minneapolis.
Buy Tickets Now – Don’t miss this opportunity to be part of history!
Original reported by: Reg Chapman | WCCO